no the GS walk position is simply worthless, it throws the weight distribution way off and loses all traction...BUT, they are great on hills in the stand position...i also like the stand on position/platform better than any stander out there...the biggest downfall i have heard about the v ride is hillside stability, but apparently there is something you can do about it...

great review, although even as you stated it's not apples to apples...i love our grandstands, the cut is awesome in any grass, tall short, dry wet, etc...one thing that you might have experienced is toro's discharge thing they have on their decks...it's worthless as well, you should make sure it's wide open or even take it off, it has the "A" "B" "C" settings...the more i compare the better i like our grandstands, and we even have the first year gs's with the most problems...i agree tho, they should make them go faster...we tweaked ours so they do go faster, but still, the competition is getting faster and faster...